I've had this bike going on three years, and it needed tires. No, I'm not changing them myself; I've done it on smaller bikes, but not on cast wheels, I'd rather pay someone with the tools to do it. Settled on the Michelin Pilot Road 3. And took the opportunity to do something else: few months back I picked up a set of Speedbleeder valves. I'd installed one on the clutch, but waited till I had the wheels off to do the others. Installing them is simple: remove the old valve, avoid dropping the new one so you can start it in before fluid starts dripping, tighten down. There is a sealant on the threads to prevent air from being able to sneak in while bleeding, and it makes them a bit tight to screw in. Doing the front could've been done with the wheel on, the rear was a LOT easier with it off. Installed the wheels, then bled all the lines completely. I had bled them last year while changing fluid, using a vacuum pump, but apparently some air had snuck in; the brakes- front especially- didn't feel the same. Using the Speedbleeders was A: a lot easier, and B: worked better; brakes rock-hard again. Here's what I used to raise the front wheel: ratchet cargo strap and a suitable weight: That got it up to remove and then install the wheel; put the axle back in and set a jack under it in between. I did pull the rear first, which let me put the weight right under the back end of the seat. Due to some seasonal crud, have only been able to put about 40 miles on the new rubber. Definitely feel quicker than the old Metzelers. Looking forward to giving them more use. So, here's a way to raise the front end that doesn't involve a jack, my report on the Speedbleeders, and a 'so far, so good' on the Michelins. Hope the information may be of use to someone.
Rock hard is rarely a bad thing. Especially with brakes. I've installed them on a few vehicles, and have always loved them.
